Autism: Standing up for schools means standing up for programs for young adults with ASD

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When Alex Bennett graduated from high school last June, his parents knew that he was not ready to go to college. Alex, who has Asperger Syndrome, is extremely bright, so much so that his fellow students called him a “math genius.

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“There was no way he could handle residential transition program yet,” said his mom, Jill, “and frankly, we couldn’t afford one anyway.”

But Jill knew that in order for Alex to be successful in a residential college setting, he would need to develop better independent living and social skills.

She enrolled Alex in the Transition Options Program (TOPS) in Concord, a community-based program which was created in 2008 in response to grassroots efforts by parents and Mt. Diablo Adult Education (a division of Mt. Diablo Unified School District).

TOPS provides a structured and supportive environment for students to develop social skills, increase independence, develop interests, explore resources, participate in the community, and create a social network of support while preparing for work and/or higher education.

The program runs four days a week in the afternoons on a quarterly basis. The students develop skills in the areas of social/cognitive development, executive functioning for independent living, employability/college readiness and community access.

“Even though we are only in our second year,” says Teri Demmon, Program Coordinator, “we can see our success as our students transition to volunteer and part-time work or enroll in the local colleges, while attending our program in the afternoons. It is very exciting.”

The program fee is just $425 per quarter, a lot more affordable than residential college transition programs such as CIP and CLE.

Sounds too good to be true. Is there a catch?

Unfortunately, yes. The State budget crisis has negatively impacted adult school programs throughout the state. Programs like TOPS are taking huge financial hits.

“Last May,” says Demmon, “the Mt. Diablo School district tried to pass a 99 dollar parcel tax to help make up for the budget cutbacks. They received about 60% support from the community but the measure needed 66% to pass.”

The parcel tax would have generated about $7 million in local revenue to keep programs and teachers.

Contact your local legislators and let them know how their choices in handling the State budget crisis has negatively impacted the under-served and growing population of young adults with autism spectrum disorders.

Senator Mark DeSaulnier

1350 Treat Blvd.

Walnut Creek, CA 94596

(925) 942-6082

Assembly Member Joan Buchanan

15th District

2694 Bishop Drive, Ste. 275

San Ramon, CA 94583

925-328-1515

Assembly Member Tom Torlakson

11th District

815 Estudillo St.

Martinez, CA 94553

(925) 372-7990

Assembly Member Nancy Skinner

14th District

1515 Clay Street, Suite 2201

Oakland, CA 94612

510-286-1400

For those of you who have children with autism–get involved NOW. The future will be here before you know it.

“TOPS is the only non-residential adult program of its kind in the Bay Area,” says Demmon.